Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight with moderate cathedral figures; displays some irregular grain around small knots and subtle wavy flow in the flat-sawn sections.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from medium to dark chocolate brown with occasional purplish or reddish streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to white. The wood develops a lighter, more golden-brown honey tone with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, interior paneling, gunstocks, turned objects, and specialty small wooden items.
Geographic Origin
Native to Eastern North America (United States and Southern Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on width and grade (FAS status).
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears modern with a contemporary matte finish, likely manufactured within the last 5-10 years.
Sustainability Status
Not CITES listed or on the IUCN Red List; widely available as FSC certified and generally considered a sustainable domestic hardwood in North America.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well. It can occasionally exhibit surface tearout if the grain is figured.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when being worked; contains juglone which can be a mild irritant; highly valued for its dimensional stability and rich natural color.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils (Tung or Danish) enhance natural depth; clear polyurethane or lacquer for durability/protection. Avoid heavy stains that mask the natural chocolate hues.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown color, semi-ring-porous grain structure, and cathedral patterns are hallmarks of North American Black Walnut.